City Hall Mural Removed Following Assessment of Deterioration

This past weekend, the mural on City Hall was removed after a condition assessment determined that restoration was no longer viable.

The mural was originally completed in 1998 by artist Huang Zhong-Ru as a memorial to local dentist Dr. Ed Gaudet. The project was initiated by Dr. Glen Green and commissioned by the Gaudet family, with approval from City Council.

Since the adoption of the City's Public Art Policy in 2016, the mural has been regularly monitored as part of the City's public art inventory. Over time, the artwork experienced significant deterioration due to prolonged exposure to weather and sunlight. A condition assessment completed in 2024 identified extensive paint flaking, paint loss, and fading across the mural surface. Based on these findings, restoration was determined to be neither viable nor cost-effective.

"While acquiring new public art is an important part of fostering a vibrant cultural community, maintaining and responsibly managing existing public artworks is equally important," said Judy MacLeod Campbell, Arts & Culture Division Manager. "The mural had reached the end of its serviceable life, and its removal is consistent with the City's Public Art Policy and its responsibility to manage public assets appropriately."

The mural was removed by B&B Gravestone Cleaning Service using a DOFF steam cleaning system, a process that uses superheated water at low pressure to remove paint while minimizing risk to the underlying surface. This method was selected because City Hall is constructed of Tyndall stone, a porous natural limestone that requires specialized conservation treatment. The approach is widely recognized as effective and appropriate for preserving historic façades.

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Media Contact:
Judy MacLeod Campbell
Arts & Culture Division Manager
jmacleodcampbell@citypa.com